Genome size and chromosomes in marine sponges [Suberites domuncula, Geodia cydonium]

The genome size of the marine sponges Suberites domuncula and Geodia cydonium has been determined by flow cytofluorometric analysis using diamidino-phenylindole [DAPI]. Using human lymphocytes as reference the amount of DNA in cells from S. domuncula has been determined to be 3.7 pg and that of G. cydonium 3.3 pg. While no chromosomes could be identified in G. cydonium, the karyotype of the Suberites domuncula is 32 chromosomes in the diploid state. The size of the chromosomes was between 0.25 and 1.0 micron. No pronounced banding pattern was visible.